The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on Tuesday announced a three-year partnership with the British Asian Trust with an aim to further strengthen support for their mental health programme in Pakistan. In doing so, the Pakistan cricket team has become the first cricket team to partner with a charity in this way, therefore, showcasing a new way of giving back and making a difference.
The British Asian Trust has been supporting mental health programmes in Pakistan since 2011 and scaled up this work substantially in 2018. It helps to transform the situation for people with mental health issues in Pakistan, working with local partners to develop services, train specialists, reduce stigma and change public perceptions.
As per the World Health Organisation statistics, one in four people will be affected by mental health disorders in their lifetime - accounting for more than 50 million people in Pakistan. Yet, there are fewer than 400 psychiatrists and 500 psychologists in the country to support them as well as widespread stigma attached to speaking openly about personal mental health and wellbeing.
PCB Managing Director, Wasim Khan, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with the British Asian Trust in what will be a ground breaking partnership. Driven by our values, we believe cricket has a huge role to play as both a catalyst for change and as a force for good. The work of the British Asian Trust within Pakistan has made a huge difference in supporting mental health and wellbeing amongst some of our most vulnerable people."
The partnership will shine a light on the issue of mental health in Pakistan, helping people understand there are services available to support individuals and families, and encouraging them to speak out and seek help. The Pakistan cricket players and staff will also visit local projects in Pakistan so they can find out about the work being done in country as well as meeting with individuals and families affected by mental health issues.